Elizabeth Smart shared an emotional message after placing at the bottom of a bodybuilding competition, but the activist made clear that the result did not diminish her excitement about taking part, as reported by Page Six.

Smart, 38, reflected on the experience in an Instagram post Saturday after competing in the North American Championships in Pittsburgh.

She told followers that she had “such a blast” despite not placing highly in either of her classes.

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The post included a video showing Smart onstage in a metallic blue bikini as she presented the physique and stage presence she had worked to develop.

“Another show for the books! Had such a blast,” Smart wrote alongside the competition footage. Her message focused on the experience, the people who supported her, and the effort required to reach the stage.

Smart said her definition of success went beyond her final position in the competition.

“I’ve always said ‘just stepping on stage is a win for me!’ And I completely stand by that.”

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She competed in two classes at the North American Championships. The Masters 35+ class required competitors to be 35 or older, while Open Class D was determined by height.

Smart openly acknowledged her results rather than letting them overshadow the occasion. She placed at the bottom of both classes, but emphasized that she still valued everything surrounding the competition.

“Regardless of where I placed, I loved the whole experience, had an amazing coach (@slcrobynmaher), got to step onstage with my best friend (@mpholsombake), and had the best support squad in the audience I could ask for.”

The activist also measured her performance against what she had accomplished at earlier shows.

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Smart said she “brought a better physique and stage presence than at my previous shows, and I’m so proud of myself for the hard work, discipline, and bravery it takes me to compete.”

Rather than dwelling on the rankings, Smart ended her message by celebrating persistence. “So here’s to pursuing goals and not giving up!” she concluded.

Smart surprised fans in April when she revealed that she was a competitive bodybuilder. At the time, she showed off the highly conditioned physique she had developed through her demanding training routine.

That same month, Smart earned first place in the Fit Model Novice category at the Wasatch Warrior competition in Salt Lake City.

The victory marked a stronger competitive result than her later finish at the North American Championships.

Smart also secured additional placements at the Wasatch Warrior competition. She finished second in the Fit Model category and took third place in the Fit Model Masters 35+ category.

Her bodybuilding schedule requires a considerable commitment to both exercise and nutrition. Smart’s routine consists of weight training five to six days a week while also eating healthy meals.

Long before entering bodybuilding competitions, Smart became known for surviving an abduction and later advocating for others. In 2002, she was taken from her bedroom in Salt Lake City when she was 14 years old.

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Police rescued Smart nine months later. She subsequently became an advocate for survivors of sexual violence as well as a child safety activist.

In 2011, Smart created the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. The organization seeks to bring hope, empowerment, and change in the fight against sexual violence.

Her latest bodybuilding appearance did not produce the placements she had previously achieved, but Smart’s own message remained proud and upbeat.

For her, reaching the stage, improving her presentation, and sharing the moment with her coach, best friend, and supporters were all reasons to celebrate.